`Idol' runner-up Lambert ready to put music first

LOS ANGELES 
When it comes to Adam Lambert, the theater's loss will be music's gain.

The "American Idol" runner-up says that he intends to focus on becoming a recording artist. Lambert, who appeared in a touring company of "Wicked" and other stage productions, says he's not turning his back on the stage but instead going in another direction: the music world.

The 27-year-old Lambert, a San Diego native, placed second to 23-year-old Kris Allen of Conway, Ark. The two will join other "American Idol" finalists on a nationwide summer tour, which starts in July.